Clearers



P. B. wEs-r Sept. 6, 1960 CLEARERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 6, 195g krij-.r r

P. B. WEST Sept. 6, 1960 CLEARERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 6, 1958 CLEARERS Paul B, West, Kennebunk, Maine, assignor to Saco-Lowell Shops, Boston, Mass., a corporation of Maine Filed ocr. '6, 195s, ser'. No. 765,619 Claims. (Cl.1'914o) This invention relates to textile drawing frames and more particularly to -a novel and improved clearer mechanism adapted to be associated therewith. l Clearer mechanisms are frequently utilized with drawing frames for the removal from the drafting element rolls the lint and other waste which tends to adhere to them. A type of clearer mechanism includes a belt which is driven such that contact with the rolls is provided and a scouring action is achieved. The waste transferred from the rolls to the clearer belt in the scouring process is subsequently removed therefrom by suitable means. invention to provide an improved clearer mechanism of that type which is particularly adapted for use with a high speed drawing frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means associated with the clearer mechanism for handling the removed waste prior to disposal.

Still another object of the invention s to provide a novel and improved clearer mechanism whereby the. amount of labor required for proper operation and for handling of the removed waste mayl be reduced.

The preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates an apron type of clearer which utilizes a traveling belt or endless loop of textile fabric which is supported and driven by rolls within the loop. The apron moves at a low rate of speed in comparison with the surface movement of Ithe drafting rolls it clears, the apron movement being for the purpose of carrying the waste fibers removed from the drafting rolls to a collecting point. Similar clearer mechanisms are utilized in conjunction withl both the top rolls and the bottom rolls. This apparatus is utilized in a high-speed drawing frame, capable of operating at front roll delivery speeds of 300 feet per minute and higher.

In each clearer, one run of the fabric apron contacts the cooperating group of drafting elements. Pressure plate assemblies provide an intimate contact of the apron with the lrolls and thus enable an improved scouring action. These pressure plate assemblies are resiliently loaded such that a plurality of areas of contact are provided between the' apron and the cooperating drafting elements. They are also adapted to provide quick and easy apron ltension adjustment in cooperation with other spring loaded elements.

The opposite run of the apron passes between a at plate and a reciprocating comb which removes the accumulated waste from the apron. Associated with thel comb structure is a compacting bar which is mounted in a specially designed enclosure. The removed waste is forced against the compacting bar which is reciprocated with the comb and this tends to cause a certain kneading and compaction of the waste. The accumulated waste gradually increases in volume until it contacts the enclosure covers. These are designed to have a low coecient of friction and are curved such that the accumulated waste tends to be turned or rotated by the influence of the traveling apron and thus new portions States Patent It is a principal object of the present of the waste roll are continuously presented to the conipacting bar for kneading action.

The enclosure covers are spring loaded and tend to remain closed to permit compaction of a substantial amount of waste. In the preferred embodiment the upJ per compacter enclosure has a transparent plastic cover through which the operator may observe the quantity of waste accumulated. In addition, when a substantial roll of waste has accumulated the cover tends to lift, thus providing a signal that the compacted waste should be removed from the clearers. This removal is necessary only approximately once a shift, depending upon the stock being run, as opposed to once a doif with conventional clearing mechanisms.

The use of this type of enclosure and compacting mechanism also reduces the possibility of clearer waste being displaced by the blower mechanisms associated with the drawing frame and of waste being dropped or otherwise undesirably scattered about.

Other objects-and advantages of the invention will be apparent as the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention progresses, in conjunction -with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view, in partial section, of a portion of a drawing frame which incorporates clearer mechanisms according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational View, in section, of a clearer mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the invention associated with the bottom rolls of the drawing frame drafting element;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the clearer comb and compacting bar utilized in the preferred embodiment;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view in partial section of the clearer mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the invention which is associated with the top rolls of a drawing frame; and

Fig. 5 is a view of the top clearer mechanism taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

lWith reference to Fig. l, the drawing frame there shown comprises a roll stand 10 having mounted thereon a series of ve bottom drafting rolls 12, 14, 1'6, 18 and 20, and four cooperating upper or top drafting rolls 22, 24, 26 and 28, which run in contact with and are driven by the adjacentbottom rolls. Sliver stock passes through the nip of the rolls in the lifting roll assembly 30 and is transferred to the rst pair of rolls 12, 22 of the drafting element. The sliver then passes sequentially between the cooperating roll elements, during which process the fibers are aligned and straightened and the sliver is elongated. The sliver web from the nip of the last pair of rolls 20 and 28 passes through a sliver web enclosure 312 to the calender rolls 34 associated with the coiler mechanism. The drawing frame of the preferred embodiment is a high speed apparatus capable of a sliver delivery speed at the nip of the last pair of rolls of the drafting element of 300 feet per minute and higher.

Associated with each set of rolls is a clearer mechanism which comprises a clearer belt or apron, preferably in the form of an endless loop of textile fabric, either woven or felted, which is supported and driven by rolls .y positioned within the loop. This belt is stepped in a substantially continuous manner such that it moves along the surfaces of the cooperating rolls, the upper belt moving in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of those drafting roll surfaces which contact the belt and the lower belt moving in the same direction as the roll surfaces contacted.

An enlarged sectional view of the clearer mechanism associatedswith the bottom rolls is shown in'Fig. 2. The apron 36 is formed in an endless loop and is driven by a rear driving roll 38 and is supported and maintained 3 in contact with the cooperating bottom rolls by a spring biased roller 40 and a -front roll 42 having an axis of rotation which may be laterally adjusted by means of screws 44. The shafts of the front and back rolls are mounted on the clearer frame 46. A plate 48, biased by a spring member 50, provides a multi-area contact of the apron 36 relative to rolls 12, 14 and 16 such that an improved scouring action is provided.

The inner surface of the lower run of the apron is supported by a fixed at surface member 52. On the opposite side of the apron adjacent this surface is mounted a clearer comb 54 which is adapted to be reciprocated between the dotted positions shown in Fig. 2 to remove accumulated waste from the apron. As shown in Fig. 3 the comb S4 consists of an angular bar member having one leg 56 which provides a guiding surface in contact with the apron and which has a serrated forward edge 58. The other leg portion 60 is secured by means of rivets 62 to a compacting bar 64. The compacting bar is an angled member which extends downwardly from the comb and across the entire width of the apron. The bar is provided with a surface extending in the direction of the compacting movement which is positioned such that it will act against the waste that is removed from the apron by the comb. The compacting bar and comb are reciprocated as a unit. This assembly is positioned within a housing 66, provided toconfine the-removed waste within an enclosure. The housing, and more particularly the cover 68, includes a curved surface portion to permit rotation of accumulated waste within the enclosure. As the waste is accumulated it tends to be rotated in a direction as shown by arrow 65 in Fig. 2 due to the influence of the moving apron. The cover of the enclosure is designed to have a lower coelicient of friction than the apron such that the accumulated waste is easily rotated within the enclosure and therefore different surfaces of the waste are successively presented to the compacting bar. This bar acts against the material and kneads it into a compact roll, permitting a substantial amount to be accumulated within the enclosure.

The enclosure cover 68 is pivotably mounted on la shaft 70 and is biased by a spring 72 to the closed position. When it is desired to remove the accumulated roll of waste the enclosure cover may be moved to the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2 such that the waste roll is accessible. With apparatus according .to the invention, removal of waste is required approximately only once a shift, even though the drawing frame is a high speed device, rather than every dolf as has been the practice with prior art clearers.

The clearer associated with the top roll is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The clearer mechanism is similar to that associated with the bottom rolls and includes an apron 8i) which is supported by a back driving roll 82, a forward adjustable roll 84 and a tensioning roll 86 which is mounted on a pivoted angle member 88 and maintained by a biasing spring 90. A pressure plate 92 similar to plate 48 in Fig. 2 and a biasing spring 94 are utilized to maintain improved contact of the apron with the top rolls along the lower run of the apron. A supporting plate 96 similar to plate 52 of Fig. 2 supports the upper run of the apron in the vicinity of a waste removing comb 98 which is reciprocated along the surface of the apron to remove waste therefrom. Associated with this comb is a compacting bar 100 which is riveted thereto. This compacting bar has a forwardly extending portion and operates in a manner similar to bar 64 of Fig. 3 to knead and compact the removed. waste and form it into a roll within the clearer enclosure housing. The upper portion of the clearer enclo sure includes a hinged cover 104, pivoted-at hinge 106l and supported at its opposite end by angle 107. This cover is preferably made of a transparent material so that the progress of accumulating waste by the clearer mechanism can be periodically observed. For added compaction of the waste the cover is biased downwardly to the closed position by a spring 108. In this case, the waste is also rotated in a direction as indicated by arrow 109 Fig. 4 by the action of the apron and cooperating parts such that the compacting bar continuously kneads different portions of the accumulated material. The cover 104 has a domed portion 110 which provides a smooth curved surface such that rotation of the accumulated waste is facilitated. When an amount of waste has accumulated such that removal is necessitated, this waste tends to lift the cover 104 to a position as indicated by the dotted lines, thereby providing a visual indication of the necessity to remove the accumulated rolls of waste.

Both clearer mechanisms are operated by a common drive shown in Fig. l. An eccentric 111 drives an operating rod 112 to reciprocate a ratchet operating arm 114 associated with the lower clearer. This ratchet operating arm pivots about the axis of the rear driving roll 38 and drives that roll through a ratchet connecton. The operating arm also is connected to a lever 116, which is connected to and imparts reciprocating motion to the comb 54. To the right of the driving connection is an extension of the lever 116 which acts as a counterweight to maintain the comb in contact with the apron with sufficient pressure to insure an adequate scouring action.

The operating arm also has an upwardly extending curved linger 118 which acts against a roller 120 for driving the operating arm 122 of the upper clearer. This operating arm is mounted for rotation about the axis of the rear driving roll 82 and, through a ratchet including a spring 123 and pawl 124 cooperating with teeth 125, steps the apron of that clearer in a substantially continuous manner in a direction as shown by arrow 126 of Fig. 4. The arm is spring loaded and thus is positively driven forwardly by the linger 118 but is returned by the biasing action `of the spring 127. An upper extension of the arm 122 is connected to a lever 128, the other end of which is connected to the compacting structure such that the comb and compacting bar may be reciprocated `for clearing action along the upper run of the apron.

Thus it will be seen that the preferred embodiment of the invention provides an improved clearer structure suitable for use with a high speed drawing frame in which an improved clearing action is provided. The removed waste is accumulated Within enclosures in which it is kneaded into easy to handle, compact rolls by novel compacting mechanisms. The resulting operation is cleaner, as the accumulated waste is protected from being dislodged and blown about, and the clearer structures require less attention during operation. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited thereto or to details thereof and departures may be made therefrom within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

l. In a drafting mechanism having a series of drafting rolls, a clearer mechanism disposed adjacent a plurality of rolls comprising an endless looped belt adapted to contact said drafting rolls for gathering waste therefrom, belt supporting and driving means mounted within the loop of said belt for supporting the beltin contact with the surfaces of the associated drafting rolls and for driving said belt comprising a ratchet driven driving roll disposed at one end of the belt loop and adapted to support and to move the belt relative to the associated drafting rolls in one direction in a substantially continuous manner and a belt tensioning roll disposed at the opposite end ofthe belt loop adapted to support the belt such that there is provided a rst run adapted to vcontact the cooperating drafting rolls and a second run, a

support member having a substantially flat surface disposed adjacent the inner surface of said second run, a comb mechanism mounted adjacent the outer surface of said second run opposite said support member for reciprocating motion parallel to said flat surface to remove gathered Waste from said belt, a compacting bar mounted on said comb mechanism and positioned laterally of and upstanding from said belt and adapted to knead and compact waste removed from said belt by said mechanism, and an enclosure disposed about said mechanism, said enclosure including a cover portion curved transversely of said belt with said comb mechanism and said compacter bar enclosed Within said enclosure adjacent to said curved portion thereof, said curved cover portion, said comb mechanism and said compacter bar cooperating with one another to assist rotation of said Waste Within said curved cover portion as controlled by said compactor bar such that various portions thereof are continuously compacted by said bar such that a compact roll of Waste is accumulated within said curved cover portion of said enclosure, said cover being hinged to permit access to said enclosure for removal of said roll of accumulated Waste.

2. In a drafting mechanism having a series of drafting rolls, a clearer mechanism disposed adjacent a plurality of rolls `comprising an endless looped belt adapted to contact said drafting rolls Afor removing Waste therefrom, belt supporting and driving means mounted Within the loop of said belt for supporting the Vbelt in contact With the surfaces of the associated drafting rolls and for driving said belt comprising a ratchet driven driving roll disposed at one end of the belt loop and adapted to support and to move the belt relative to the associated drafting rolls in one direction in a substantially continuous manner and a belt tensioning roll disposed at the opposite end of the belt loop adapted to support the belt such that here is provided a first run adapted to contact the cooperating drafting rolls and a second run, and a resiliently biased contoured plate disposed against the inner surface of the belt adjacent said first run and adapted to produce an improved scouring and gathering action by providing a plurality of areas of contact of the belt with a plurality of drafting rolls, and means for removing the gathered waste from said belt disposed adjacent said second run.

3. lIn a drafting mechanism having a series of drafting rolls, a clearer mechanism disposed adjacent a plurality of said rolls comprising an endless looped belt adapted to contact said drafting rolls for gathering Waste therefrom, belt supporting and driving means mounted Wtihin the loop of siad belt for supporting the belt in contact with the surfaces of the associated drafting rolls and for driving said belt comprising a ratchet driven driving roll disposed at one end of the belt loop and adapted to support and to move the belt relative to the associated drafting rolls in one direction in a substantially continuous manner and a belt tensioning roll disposed yat the opposite end of the belt loop adapted to support the belt such that there is provided a first run adapted to contact the cooperating drafting rolls and a second run, and a resiliently biased contoured plate disposed against the inner surface of the belt adjacent said first run and adapted to produce an improved scouring and gathering action by providing a plurality of areas of contact of the belt with a plurality of drafting rolls, a support member having a substantially iiat surface disposed adjacent the inner surface of said second run, a comb mechanism mounted adjacent the outer surface of said second run opposite said support member for reciprocating motion parallel to said dat surface to remove gathered Waste from said belt, a compacting bar mounted on said comb mechanism and positioned laterally of and upstanding from said belt and adapted to knead and compact waste removed from said belt by said mechanism, and an enclosure disposed Iabout said mechanism,

said enclosure including a cover portion curved transversely of said belt and adapted to assist rotation of said waste such that various portions thereof are continuously compacted by said bar such that a compact roll of Waste is accumulated Within said enclosure, said cover being hinged to permit access to said enclosure for removal of said roll of accumulated waste.

4. In a drafting mechanism having a series of drafting rolls, a clearer mechanism disposed adjacent a plurality of rolls comprising an endless looped belt adapted to contact said drafting rolls for removing waste therefrom, belt supporting and driving means mounted Within the loop of said belt for supporting the belt in contact with the surfaces of the associated drafting rolls and for driving said belt comprising a ratchet driven driving roll disposed at one end of the belt loop and adapted to support and to move the belt relative to the associated drafting rolls in one direction in a substantially continuous manner and a belt tensioning roll disposed at the opposite end of the belt loop adapted to support the belt such that there is provided a first run adapted to contact the cooperating drafting lrolls and a second run, and a plate disposed against the inner surface of the belt adjacent said iirst run and adapted to produce an improved scouring `and gathering action by providing a plurality of areas of contact of the belt with a plurality of drafting rolls, and means for removing the gathered Waste from said belt disposed adjacent said second run.

5. In a drafting mechanism having a series of drafting rolls, a clearer mechanism dispose-d adjacent a plurality of said rolls comprising an endless looped belt adapted to contact said drafting rolls for gathering Waste therefrom, belt supporting and driving means mounted within the loop of said belt for supporting the belt in contact with the surfaces of the associated drafting rolls and for driving said belt comprising a ratchet driven driving roll disposed at one end of the belt loop and adapted to support and to move the belt relative to the associated drafting rolls in one direction in a substantially continuous manner and a belt tensioning roll disposed at the opposite end of the belt loop adapted to support the belt such that there is provided a iirst run adapted to contact the cooperating drafting rolls and a second run, and a plate disposed against the inner surfaceof the belt adjacent said first run and adapted to produce an improved scouring and gathering action by providing a plurality of areas of contact of the belt with a plurality of drafting rolls, a support member having a substantially flat surface disposed adjacent the inner surface of said second mn, a comb mechanism mounted adjacent the outer surface of said second run opposite said support member for reciprocating motion parallel to said iiat surface to remove gathered Waste from said belt, a compacting bar mounted on said comb mechanism and positioned laterally of and upstanding from said belt and adapted to knead and compact waste removed from said belt by said mechanism, and an enclosure disposed about said mechanism, said enclosure including a cover portion curved transversely of said belt and adapted to assist rotation of said waste such that various portions thereof are continuously compacted by said bar such that a compact roll of waste is accumulated within said enclosure, said cover being hinged to permit access to said enclosure for removal of said roll of accumulated waste.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,735,142 Noiles Feb. 21, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,386 Great Britain of 1873 425,912 Great Britain Mar. 25, 1935 

